Keep Num Lock On Every Time You Start Windows 11
Alright, let’s get straight to it. If having the Num Lock key switch off every time you boot up Windows 11 is driving you bonkers, you’re in the right place. Windows doesn’t have a simple setting to keep Num Lock permanently on — which can be a bit of a pain. But with a bit of tinkering in the registry and your BIOS, it’s completely doable. This can save you heaps of time if you often need to type numbers — no more hitting that Num Lock key every time you start your PC.
First up, you’ll need to get comfortable with some settings that aren’t exactly user-friendly, but stick with me.
Kick Off with the Run Command
To begin, press the Windows key + R. This opens the Run dialog box quickly, so you don’t have to waste time navigating through menus. It’s a handy shortcut to get where you need to go.
Open the Registry Editor
Once the Run box is open, type in regedit and hit Enter. You’ll probably see a warning asking if you want to allow this app to make changes—just click Yes. The Registry Editor is like the control centre for Windows — but be careful when changing stuff because it can cause issues if you’re not cautious. A good idea is to back it up first: go to File > Export in the Registry Editor and save a copy somewhere safe. Better safe than sorry, right?
Navigate to the Correct Setting
Now, browse to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard. It sounds complicated, but you’re mainly looking for InitialKeyboardIndicators. This setting decides whether Num Lock is on when you start up your computer. Changing this value is the main step toward keeping Num Lock on all the time.
Modify the Registry Value
Double-click on InitialKeyboardIndicators and set its value to 2147483650. This instructs Windows to switch Num Lock on at startup. Click OK and restart your PC to see if it stays on. Sometimes, you might need to reboot twice or a few times before the change takes effect properly.
If That Doesn’t Work, Check Your BIOS Settings
If editing the registry didn’t do the trick, it’s worth checking your BIOS. Restart your computer and press F2, Delete, or whichever key your motherboard uses to enter BIOS. Look for an option like “Num Lock at Power On” — and make sure it’s enabled. Save your changes and reboot. BIOS settings often override Windows, so this step can make a difference.
Tips to Keep Num Lock Always On
Before messing around in the registry, make sure to back it up — it’s like insurance. Creating a system restore point is also a good idea: go to Settings > System > About > System Protection and set one up. If you’re not comfortable editing the registry yourself, ask a tech-savvy mate for help. Also, check if your keyboard has its own software; some keyboards let you set Num Lock behaviour directly through their drivers, which can override Windows settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the point of the Num Lock key?
Basically, it switches your numeric keypad between entering numbers and navigating. When Num Lock is on, the keys act as numbers; when off, they behave like arrow keys, Home, End, etc.
Why does Num Lock turn off by itself?
Good question. It’s usually due to default settings in Windows or BIOS that reset Num Lock during startup. Sometimes, specific keyboard software or drivers can also interfere.
Are there apps to keep Num Lock on permanently?
Yes, there are programs like NumLock Indicator or NumLocker. But honestly, tweaking the registry and BIOS tends to be more reliable. Apps can sometimes cause more trouble if they conflict with settings — unless you’re happy troubleshooting more issues.
Will these tweaks work with any keyboard?
Most standard keyboards will respond to these tweaks. However, wireless or specialised keyboards might have their own quirks, so results can vary. It’s worth keeping that in mind if things don’t seem to work right away.
Could messing with the registry cause problems?
Absolutely. The registry is a critical part of Windows. If you change the wrong setting, it might cause system issues. Always proceed carefully, back up first, and don’t be afraid to ask someone with more tech knowledge if you’re unsure.
In summary, keeping Num Lock on in Windows 11 isn’t overly complicated — it just needs a few careful steps. Once you’ve sorted it out, typing numbers becomes a whole lot easier. Just remember to back up everything first, and you’ll be laughing. Hope this helps save you some time and frustration!